Camp Registration

1. Do I need a certain weightlifting ability to attend?
   • You must be familiar with and able to perform basic lifts such as overhead squats, front squats, back squats, snatch/clean deadlifts. You must also have some experience performing snatch and clean & jerk. We use your numbers to pair you with participants who are similar to you, so that the training can proceed smoothly and simulate actual Chinese training.
2. Do I need to stay the whole 2 weeks of the weightlifting camp?
   • No. There is a 1-week option which begins the first week of the camp.
3. Can I come earlier or stay longer?
   • If you arrive earlier or leave later, you will need to secure your own accommodations and possibly arrange for transportation to the airport or train station. Additionally, please note that training in the training halls is not permitted before or after the camp.
4. What happens if the weightlifting camp is full?
   • We will create a waiting list and contact you if there’s an opening. You can also register for the next weightlifting camp.
5. Can I contact someone to discuss their experience before attending?
   • Yes, please contact us for a list of references. You can also search #mastrength #mastrengthcamp to find posts by prior participants.
6. I want to shadow the coaches. Is this an option?
   • Yes. Please designate during registration. The fees and deadlines are the same as if you were to participate as a lifter.

Travel Preparation

1. I got hurt before the weightlifting camp and can’t participate due to injury, what do I do?
   • You can shadow the coaches and observe the weight training. Individuals find it provides a unique experience in the Chinese weightlifting system. If you don’t want this option, you can transfer your spot to a friend.
   • The best advice is to train light to avoid injury or get some rehab to heal in time for the camp.
   • Note: we cannot refund deposits or payments (past the deadline) if you get injured. If you cannot agree to this, then please do not register.
2. My plans have changed; is my deposit refundable or transferable?
   • Deposits reserve your space for the camp designated on your application and are not refundable. You can transfer your spot to a friend, but you cannot transfer your spot to a future weightlifting camp.
   • If you think your plans will change, then please register only when you’re certain about attending.
3. Are my other payments refundable/transferable?
   • Payments other than the deposit are refundable until the deadline designated on the camp page. If you cannot agree to this, then please do not register.
4. How do I obtain a visa for the weightlifting camp?
   • We will provide paperwork to assist with your visa application if needed. Afterward, you can apply for a visa by:
     • Booking with your local travel agent.
     • Applying individually via the Chinese embassy in your country.
   • Ideally, you should have a non-expired passport prior to applying for the weightlifting camp. If not, we recommend applying for a passport and requesting expedited service so you can apply for a visa.
   • If you do not obtain a passport or visa in a timely manner, you will forfeit your place in the camp without a refund.
5. What should I bring with me?
   • You should bring your training gear, enough training clothes to last the trip, some non-lifting clothing for outings, walking/running shoes, and personal toiletries. I recommend traveling light to avoid checking bags at the airport.
6. What kind of electrical plugs are used in China?
   • China uses Type-A plugs, so make sure you purchase a plug-in converter to charge any laptops, hair dryers, etc.
7. Can I bring supplements and/or medications?
   • Protein powder/bars, vitamins, minerals, and liniments are fine. If you are taking any medications, please make sure to secure any prescriptions or notes you may need prior to your departure just in case you are questioned by airport security.
8. How much money should I bring with me?
   • We recommend at least $300 USD for extra outings and meals off base. Bring more if you plan on buying many souvenirs.
9. When should I convert my money?
   • We strongly recommend that you do so either at your bank, home airport, or the first international airport in China. Sometimes ATMs might be hard to come by and your credit/debit cards might be rejected or frozen unless you inform your bank prior to coming to China.
10. The camp was canceled, will I receive a refund?
    • Yes. In the event the camp is canceled, participants will receive a full refund (including deposits).

Staying in China

1. I don’t speak Chinese, is that a problem? I am not fluent in English, is that a problem?
   • No problem! The coaches use a variety of communication techniques. We also translate from Chinese to English/Spanish/Portuguese. You can always bring a friend if you don’t speak any of these languages!
2. I have never left my country. What is Chinese culture like?
   • Chinese culture is probably very different from your own. Check out this cultural comparison between Chinese and Western thought. Also, check out the top areas of culture shock in China.
   • Remember that we are guests, and your behavior will reflect on our group to our hosts. Most of the time, the hosts will not directly confront you with any problems but rather bring them to our attention.
   • Therefore, we recommend that you respect authority, go with the flow, and ask questions if you are unsure.
3. What’s the food like?
   • In the cafeteria and hotels, the food is typically local Chinese cuisine and will differ from your typical Chinese take-out food. All meals are served buffet-style, featuring a variety of proteins, vegetables, rice, bread, and noodles to choose from.
   • Outside the cafeteria, there are many Chinese restaurants, as well as some Western restaurants and coffee shops. You can explore these at your own expense.
4. What if I follow a special diet?
   • We cannot guarantee fulfillment of any special dietary requests, so please consider this before registering for the camp.
   • Additionally, China is a tea-drinking culture, so coffee availability is limited or scarce. You might want to bring some instant coffee with you. In fact, if there is something you absolutely must have, then bring it as long as it follows customs rules.
5. Is laundry service available?
   • Usually yes, either in the form of public washing machines or a paid washing service. In Chinese culture, underwear is typically washed by yourself, usually in the bathroom sink.
   • Dryers are not popular, so most people air dry their clothes. Sometimes soap is available at public washing machines, but it can be easily purchased at a convenience store on or off the base.
6. What’s the weather like at the summer/winter camp?
   • You can google the weather as the date gets closer but for a general overview, check out China weather and enter the city name in the search term if it is not on the list.

Camp Experience

1. Will someone pick me up from/to the airport?
   • Yes, we will organize a meeting time to shuttle from the airport. If your flight arrives very early or late, you may need to book a taxi.
   • If you arrive before the camp starts or leave after the camp ends, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
2. Is there Wi-Fi? Can I access social media, email, etc?
   • Wi-Fi service can be slow and limited. Housing and dining areas usually have faster and more reliable Wi-Fi but you might not have a signal in the gym or off-base.
   • Keep in mind that Facebook, Instagram, and Google (along with its apps like Gmail) are blocked in China. If you need access to these services, you will need to have a VPN installed before you arrive in China or use alternative apps, such as a backup email address.
3. How many weight training sessions are there?
   • We closely follow the training of our host base, typically around nine sessions per week. Some days will have double sessions, while others will have single sessions. For example, a typical double session day looks like this:
     • 6:00 – 7:00 General athletic training
       7:30 – 8:30 Breakfast
       9:00 – 11:00 Morning training
       11:00 – 12:00 Recovery/Lecture
       12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
       13:00 – 14:30 Nap/Recovery
       15:00 – 17:30 Evening training
       18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
   • We will add technical sessions and conditioning sessions based on the characteristics of our group.
4. Can you send me the training program in advance?
   • No. We consult with the base about their training, as well as consider the characteristics of our group. Additionally, our coaches have the discretion to modify the program to help you progress better.
5. What happens when I’m not training?
   • We coordinate seminars throughout the camp with guest speakers and experts on various topics in Chinese weightlifting. Outside of that, we usually rest or eat. Sometimes people will go shopping if it is convenient to do so.
6. Is there any chance of sightseeing during the weightlifting camp?
   • Yes, we will coordinate some outings to popular tourist attractions or the city center. These outings are NOT mandatory and not included in the camp fee. Please let us know if you do NOT want to go since we need to coordinate transportation, restaurant reservations, etc.
7. Will I meet my weightlifting idols?
   • In the past, we have successfully coordinated appearances by current and past weightlifting champions. We have also trained alongside current or upcoming national, international, and Olympic-level champions; however, we cannot guarantee you will meet your idols.
   • The more common scenario is training next to someone you’ve never heard of, only to find out a few years later that they become National, Asian, World, or Olympic Champion.